Canada Immigration Weekly Update – June 08, 2025
Canada Immigration Weekly Update – June 08, 2025
Canada Immigration Weekly Update – June 08, 2025
Welcome to your Canada Immigration Weekly Update for June 1-8 2025!
This week covers major federal developments—including Express Entry draws under the new Immigration Minister, the proposed Strong Borders Act, significant changes for citizenship by descent, and updated IRCC processing times. Let’s dive in.
Canada Immigration | Weekly Update
IRCC News Updates for the Week of June 1–8, 2025
1. Bill C‑3: Citizenship by Descent Reform (June 5, 2025)
Legal milestone: On June 5, 2025, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab introduced Bill C‑3 in Parliament, proposing major amendments to Canada’s Citizenship Act
🔹 Key Changes:
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Repeal “first‑generation limit”: Current law prevents second-generation Canadians born abroad from passing citizenship to their children. The bill removes this barrier, allowing Canadian parents who themselves were born overseas to confer citizenship to children born or adopted outside Canada.
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Substantial Connection test: To be eligible, a Canadian parent born abroad must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 cumulative days (3 years) before their child’s birth or adoption.
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Automatic restoration: Bill C‑3 will automatically reinstate citizenship to those who would qualify had the first-generation limit not applied, targeting “Lost Canadians” affected by older legal provisions.
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Interim measure: A temporary pathway remains open for eligible affected individuals while the bill progresses through Parliament.
💬 Government Statement:
“Citizenship is more than a legal status… requiring those who pass citizenship to their children born abroad… to have a substantial connection to our country … reflects our belief that being Canadian means more than just a place of birth; it’s about belonging.”
— Lena Metlege Diab
Next Steps:
Bill C‑3 had its first reading in the House of Commons on June 5 . It now awaits second reading, committee review, further debate, and Royal Assent before becoming law.
📎 Sources: IRCC News Release – Citizenship by Descent Legislation Introduced | IRCC Backgrounder – Bill C‑3: An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025) | Parliament of Canada – Bill C‑3 (First Reading)
2. Immigration Processing Times Update – June 5, 2025
On June 5, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released its latest processing time estimates, which reflect how long it takes to finalize 80% of applications across key categories:
Citizenship Applications
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Applicants who submitted before April 14, 2025, can expect to receive their Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) soon.
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Delays are currently reported for citizenship certificate requests submitted from outside Canada or the U.S.
Permanent Resident (PR) Cards
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New PR Card: 48 days (⬆️ from 35 days as of April 30)
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PR Card Renewal: 12 days (⬆️ by 2 days from last month)
Family Sponsorship
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Quebec-based applications continue to face longer processing times, due to additional provincial procedures.
Pro Tip: Submitting a complete and accurate application is essential to avoid processing delays.
🔗 Source: IRCC – Check processing times
3. Strong Borders Act Proposed (June 3, 2025)
On June 3, 2025, Canada introduced the Strong Borders Act, a sweeping federal bill aimed at bolstering national security and modernizing immigration and refugee processes.
The bill includes provisions to:
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Strengthen IRCC authority to cancel, suspend, or pause new immigration and asylum applications in emergencies.
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Expand IRCC data-sharing powers with federal, provincial, and territorial partners.
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Improve asylum processing by simplifying online applications, referring complete claims more efficiently to the IRB, and prioritizing vulnerable claimants.
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Introduce new ineligibility rules for refugee claims:
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Claims made more than 1 year after arrival in Canada will not be referred to the IRB.
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Claims filed more than 14 days after entering from the U.S. between ports of entry will be barred.
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Affected individuals may still apply for Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA).
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In addition to immigration-specific measures, the bill also targets:
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Transnational organized crime, including rapid control over precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production.
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Expanded RCMP and CBSA powers, including port inspections, information access, and digital surveillance support.
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Anti-money laundering efforts, with stricter compliance standards and broader FINTRAC authority.
🧩 This bill is presented as part of Canada’s broader plan to secure the U.S. border, tackle smuggling and trafficking, and modernize the immigration system in light of rising migration pressures.
📎 Source: Government of Canada – Strong Borders Act News Release (Public Safety Canada, June 3, 2025)
Provincial Government News:
1. B.C. Launches U.S. Recruitment Campaign for Health Workers – June 6, 2025
The Province of British Columbia has launched a six-week recruitment campaign targeting doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals in Washington, Oregon, and California.
Key details:
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The campaign began June 2, 2025 and includes digital, video, print, and social media ads across nearly 14,000 digital locations and six major medical trade publications.
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Ads encourage U.S.-based health professionals to explore career opportunities in B.C. through BCHealthCareers.ca.
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Health Match BC is providing personalized, free relocation support.
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Priority roles include cancer care, emergency departments, and rural healthcare.
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Nearly 1,600 expressions of interest have already been received, including 704 doctors and 525 nurses.
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Registration is now streamlined: U.S. nurses can register in just days, and licensing reforms for U.S. doctors are underway.
🔗 Sources: BC Health Careers – Full News Release
2. B.C. Advances International Credential Recognition – June 6, 2025
British Columbia’s Office for International Credential Recognition released its first annual report, highlighting progress in implementing the International Credentials Recognition Act, which took effect on July 1, 2024.
Key highlights:
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The Act applies to 29 regulated professions and aims to make it faster, fairer, and more transparent for internationally trained professionals to work in B.C.
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The requirement for Canadian work experience will be officially removed as of July 1, 2025. Regulators must adopt alternative competency assessments or request an exemption.
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The office has worked closely with regulators to support compliance and to educate internationally trained professionals on the new requirements.
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Professions covered include nurses, physicians, dentists, pharmacists, engineers, architects, lawyers, teachers, social workers, psychologists, and other regulated roles critical to B.C.’s workforce.
🔗 Sources: Full Report – Annual Progress – Act Introduction – July 2024
3. Ontario Makes It Easier for U.S. Doctors and Nurses to Work in the Province – June 5, 2025
Ontario has announced major regulatory changes to attract licensed physicians and nurses from the United States, aiming to strengthen its health-care system and reduce wait times.
Key Highlights:
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U.S.-licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and registered practical nurses can now begin working in Ontario health-care settings without prior registration with Ontario’s regulatory colleges.
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They are permitted to work for up to six months while seeking full registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario or the College of Nurses of Ontario.
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The change is part of Ontario’s “As of Right” framework, initially implemented for Canadian-trained professionals, now expanded to American health-care workers.
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The government has also removed limitations that previously restricted U.S.-licensed professionals to only hospitals or long-term care homes. They may now work in primary care, home care, community labs, and more.
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This move supports Ontario’s Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act 2025, promoting workforce mobility and reducing red tape.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones stated that these changes are a bold move to improve timely access to care, attract talent, and simplify the process for skilled health professionals entering Ontario’s workforce.
🔗 Source: Ontario Government News Release – June 5, 2025
4. Quebec Launches Public Consultations on 2026–2029 Immigration Plan – June 5, 2025
On June 5, 2025, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, Jean-François Roberge, announced the start of public consultations on the province’s multi-year immigration plan (2026–2029) and revealed new decisions regarding the intake of certain applications.
Key Highlights:
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For the first time, Quebec has proposed immigration targets for temporary programs, aiming to reduce the number of permit holders under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Student Program (ISP) by approximately 13% by 2029.
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Three scenarios for reducing permanent immigration levels were presented, ranging from 25,000 to 45,000 annual admissions.
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Priority will be given to candidates already living in Quebec who speak French and meet labour market needs.
Other Major Updates:
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New Skilled Worker Program (PSTQ):
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Invitations to apply under the new PSTQ will begin in July 2025.
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Focus will be on French-speaking candidates with regional experience, including work or study.
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PEQ Application Suspensions:
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Both Québec Graduate Stream and Temporary Foreign Worker Stream under the PEQ are suspended until November 30, 2025.
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Collective Sponsorship Program for Refugees:
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Suspension of new sponsorship applications continues until December 31, 2027.
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Public consultations are open until August 15, 2025. Individuals and organizations can submit comments or complete the online questionnaire on the National Assembly of Quebec’s website.
🔗 Source: Full Announcement
5. Manitoba Launches U.S. Recruitment Campaign for Health Workers – June 4, 2025
The Manitoba government has launched a new marketing campaign to recruit health-care professionals from the United States, specifically targeting Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Key Messages:
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The campaign promotes Manitoba’s public health-care system, emphasizing patient-centered care without insurance barriers or profit-driven mandates.
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It highlights Manitoba’s strengths: affordability, diverse and inclusive communities, good schools, and a high quality of life.
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The province is positioning itself as a welcoming place for professionals in women’s health, gender-affirming care, and public health leadership.
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Manitobans are encouraged to share the campaign with U.S.-based family or friends in health care.
For more information or upcoming webinars, visit: PracticeInManitoba.ca
🔗 Source: Manitoba Government News Release – June 4, 2025
Latest Draws
Express Entry
Express Entry – Healthcare & Social Services (June 4)
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Category: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations (Version 2), marking the second such draw this year
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Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued: 500
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Lowest CRS Score: 504
- CRS cutoff: 504
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Tie‑breaker: Profile created by March 31, 2025 at 06:47 UTC
Express Entry – Provincial Nominee Program (June 2)
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Category: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
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Invitations: 277
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Lowest CRS Score: 726
- Tie-breaking rule: September 24, 2024 at 15:46:19 UTC
PNP
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Employer Job Offer Streams (June 3)
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Total ITAs: 3,719 across multiple targeted streams:
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June 6, 2025
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Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker (Greater Sudbury) – 32 invitations | min score: 36
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International Student (Greater Sudbury) – 34 invitations | min score: 54
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In-Demand Skills (Greater Sudbury) – 6 invitations | min score: 32
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- June 3, 2025 – Foreign Worker Stream
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Northern Ontario – 391 invitations | min score: 56
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REDI – 411 invitations | min score: 32
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Career Development Practitioners (Non-education) – 5 invitations | min score: 45
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June 3, 2025 – International Student Stream:
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Eastern Ontario – 334 invitations | min score: 85
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Northern Ontario – 493 invitations | min score: 54
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REDI – 363 invitations | min score: 60
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Health Occupations – 1,350 invitations | min score: 68
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June 3, 2025 – In-Demand Skills Stream:
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Northern Ontario – 89 invitations | min score: 32
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REDI – 69 invitations | min score: 23
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Health Occupations – 214 invitations | min score: 34
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Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) – Dedicated Health Pathway (June 3)
- Pathway: Dedicated Healthcare Pathway via Express Entry
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Invitations: 36
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Minimum AAIP score: 60
Important Upcoming Dates
June 28, 2025
Event: Alberta Advisory Committee Report Due
Topic: The 13-member advisory committee will submit its official recommendations to improve foreign credential recognition in Alberta.
June 30, 2025
Event: Temporary Suspension Ends for Key Québec Programs
Details:
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Intake of applications under the Québec Graduate Stream
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Invitations under the Regular and Skilled Worker Selection Programs
Context: Québec paused intake to modernize its selection criteria and manage backlogs.
July 11, 2025
Event: Updated LMIA Processing Restrictions Take Effect
Details:
Service Canada will refuse to process low-wage LMIA applications in Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) where unemployment is 6% or higher. This quarterly update affects new and renewal LMIA applications under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Why it matters:
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Employers in affected CMAs will be blocked from hiring low-wage foreign workers.
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Temporary workers in these regions may lose renewal eligibility.
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Employers are advised to check CMA unemployment rates, consider high-wage LMIA streams, or hire in alternate regions.
- Source: canada.ca
This Canada Immigration Weekly Update is based on official IRCC releases and verified event listings.
👉 Stay informed by checking IRCC and provincial updates regularly. For personalized advice, consult a licensed immigration professional.
📎 For the latest Express Entry results, visit: https://ghasedak.ca/express-entry/express-entry-draws/
